Zang-Fu Functions

Question 1

Functions of the Stomach

Answer 1

1) Controls receiving
2) Controls the “rotting & ripening” of food
3) Controls transportation of food essence
4) Controls the descending of qi
5) Is the origin of fluids

Question 2

Functions of the Heart

Answer 2

1) Governs blood
2) Controls the blood vessels
3) Houses the mind
4) Manifests the complexion
5) Controls sweat
6) Opens to the tongue

Question 3

Functions of the Spleen

Answer 3

1) Governs transformation & transportation
2) Controls the ascending of qi
3) Controls blood
4) Controls the muscles and the 4 limbs
5) Controls saliva
6) Opens into the mouth
7) Houses the intellect (yi)

Question 4

Functions of the Large Intestine

Answer 4

1) Controls passage and conduction
2) Transforms stools & reabsorbs fluids

Question 5

Functions of the Triple Burner (San Jiao)

Answer 5

1) Mobilizes the original qi
2) Controls transportation & penetration of qi
3) Controls the water passages and excretion of fluids

Question 6

What is meant by “The heart governs the blood?”

Answer 6

The heart governs the blood in two ways:

1) The transformation of food qi (gu qi) into blood takes place in the heart

2) The heart is responsible for circulating blood

Question 7

Functions of the Liver

Answer 7

1) Stores blood
2) Ensures the smooth flow of qi
3) Controls the sinews
4) Manifests in the nails
5) Opens into the eyes
6) Controls tears
7) Houses the ethereal soul (hun)

Question 8

Functions of the Lungs

Answer 8

1) Governs qi and respiration
2) Controls the channels and blood vessels
3) Control diffusing and descending of qi
4) Regulate all physiological activities
5) Regulate water passageways
6) Control skin and hair
7) Control nasal mucous
8) Opens into the nose
9) Houses the corporeal soul (po)

Question 9

Functions of the Kidneys

Answer 9

1) Store essence
2) Govern birth, growth, & reproduction
3) Produce marrow
4) Govern water
5) Control the reception of qi
6) Manifests in the hair
7) Control the two “lower orifices”
8) Opens into the ears
9) Controls the gate of Life (ming men)
10) Houses the will-power (zhi)

Question 10

Functions of the Bladder

Answer 10

1) Removes water by qi transformation

Question 11

Functions of the Small Intestine

Answer 11

1) Controls receiving and transforming
2) Separates fluids

Question 12

Functions of the Gall Bladder

Answer 12

1) Stores and excretes bile
2) Controls decisiveness
3) Controls the sinews

Question 13

Functions of the Pericardium

Answer 13

1) Protects the heart